Macbeth Final Draft

    When things go smoothly, it is easy to be happy.  However, when faced with challenge and controversy, that is when morality is tested.  Anyone can be happy when things go right, but can react questionably when challenged.  Success and power should not be given,  they have to be earned.  The need for power is one of the most ruthless and merciful desires, as portrayed in the book Macbeth.  In the beginning of the story, Macbeth who was once a caring, respected man turns into an unrecognizable stranger to the people who knew him the most.  In the novel Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, power overtakes moral character proving that any type of success will turn a man evil.

    No one is born evil, they become that way, through circumstance and choice.  In the book, Macbeth was well-respected and righteous.  "The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, Pays itself.. Which do but what they should, by doing everything safe toward your love and honor."   (1.4.22-24) The judgement of someone should not be based on reputation, but by the righteousness of that person.  Often times, people put on a "mask" pretending to be someone they're not.  However, when faced with challenges and competition their true colors come out.  Macbeth failed to balance power with morals, causing him to become ruthless.  "I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none."  (1.7.45-46). Being highly thought of by others, while gaining power motivates a person to do many things whether they are right or wrong.  Power changes people by taking over their lives, eventually destroying it.

    The way a person overcomes challenges while trying to obtain power and success defines their character.  “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls.”  (4.1.150-153)  Macbeth believed that many people were out to get him and ended up murdering them and their family so they could not accede his throne.  He was cruel and heartless.  He did everything in his power to keep a person from taking over his reign.  “I have supped full with horrors; direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts”. (5.5.14-15) In the beginning of the book, Macbeth was a role-model and a leader in his town.  Over time, he became cruel and lacked compassion trying to gain more and more power.

    With all the wrongdoings a person may commit, there comes a form of punishment.  “Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.’’ (5.1.64-65)  Lady Macbeth committed an act of murder and wished to be feelingless.  As time passed, she was overtaken by guilt and eventually killed herself.  Although power can make a person feel important, it replaces joy with unhappiness. “Yet I will try the last.  Before my body I throw my warlike shield.”  (5.7.61-62)   The punishment Lady Macbeth and Macbeth served for all their crimes were their unhappy disgruntlness.   Macbeth gained power through all his crimes, but in return lost his happiness and his wife.  A person should think about how power can change a life before attempting to gain it.

     Power can cloud a person's judgement causing them to make unreasonable, hasty decisions.  The need for power and success is so strong that a person will do anything, no matter the consequences, just to gain it.  Even though Macbeth gained power, he lost his happiness and kindness.  Happiness is corrupted in the pursuit of trying to gain power.  Often times, happiness is cast aside so that power can be accrued. 

LOFT journal reflection

    When we first crashed down on the island, I was hopeful knowing that one day we would be rescued and would be able to see our families again.  Now, I doubt that we could ever get off this island alive.  The minutes feel like hours as each passing day feels like my last.  Everyday, Ralph and Jack try to get the boys to listen but the chaos continues to get worse.  Nobody knows who to listen to and who to follow.  We developed a method that whoever holds the conch gets to speak but that quickly failed in an hour.  Jack and Ralph are supposedly our two "leaders" but they both have different concepts on how to survive.  I stick with Ralph because while he can be a jerk, his tactics seem more assurable than Jack.  Ralph has the boys start build shelters while Jack goes hunting for meat.  

     I sure hope that we get rescued soon, because things are starting to fall apart.  Many of the boys get into disagreements with each other and I am worried that something bad might happen.  A lot of the little ones are getting sick because of poor diet, and unclean water.  One day, I had so much hope we were going to be rescued, only to be let down.  I was so disappointed that the fire went out because then the ship couldn't see us.  We keep a fire burning, hoping the smoke will attract distant ships.  That is pretty much all we've done so far to get rescued, which worries me because during the night the "beasties" come out.  The "beasties" terrify me and I pray that I am safe as I sleep. 

    We've been on this island for a couple of weeks now and I feel like I am going to die soon.  We have no meat, as the hunters have not been successful to catch many pigs.  Living on fruits is not a very promising diet.  I feel as if I am no use to anyone.  All the boys want from me is my specks so they can light the fire.  Although I noticed the boy with the mark on his face disappeared, we have not been able to find him since.  Everyday I am constantly called "stupid" or "fat" by the other boys and I try to be strong.  I pitch in ideas to the group, but nobody ever listens to me.  All the boys want from me is my specks so they can light the fire.  Sometimes I wish I could just go off on my own, but I know that Ralph would't come with me and I wouldn't be able to survive.  I miss home, I miss my family.  I just can't wait to get off this island.  

Survivor

10 Rules:
1)  Everyone must do the tasks assigned
2)  Everyone must get along
3)  Everyone must obey me
4)  No stealing other peoples things
5) No lying
6) No turning against each other
7) No fighting
8) Everyone must help out
9) No overeating
10) Take only what you need and nothing more


Plan for survival:
    To get off the island, first I will start by setting a bunch of rules.  By having rules, there will no confusion or chaos.  Then, I will assign jobs based on skill and strength.  Once everyone has their assigned job, they will do that job until I tell them it is completed.  The wood gatherers will start finding wood for the fire and for the boat builders.   The boat builders will attempt to build a strong sturdy boat in which we will be able to get off the island.  Meanwhile, the fruit pickers and hunters will search the island for food so that the cooks can cook.  The servants will help me and do whatever task I need.

Macbeth rough draft

    When things go smoothly, it is easy to be happy.  However, when faced with challenge and controversy, that is when morality is tested.  Anyone can be happy when things go right, but can react questionably when challenged.  Success and power should not be given,  they have to be earned.  The need for power is one of the most ruthless and merciful desires.  In the novel, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, power overtakes moral character proving that any type of success will turn a man evil.
 
    No one is born evil, they become that way, through circumstance and choice.  In the book, Macbeth was well-respected and righteous.  "The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, Pays itself.. Which do but what they should, by doing everything safe toward your love and honor."   (1.4.22-24) The judgement of someone should not be based on reputation, but by the righteousness of that person.  Often times, people put on a "mask" pretending to be someone they're not.  However, when faced with challenges and competition their true colors come out.  "I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none."  (1.7.45-46). Being highly thought of by others, while gaining power motivates a person to do many things whether they are right or wrong.  Power changes people by taking over their lives, eventually destroying it.
 
    The way a person overcomes challenges while trying to obtain power and success defines their character.  “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls.”  (4.1.150-153)  Macbeth believed many people were out to get him and ended up murdering them and their family so they could not accede his throne.  He was cruel and heartless.  He did everything in his power to keep a person from taking over his reign.  “I have supped full with horrors; direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts”. (5.5.14-15) In the beginning of the book, Macbeth was a good, well-respected man in his town.  Over time, he became ruthless and evil trying to gain more and more power.

    With all the wrongdoings a person may commit, there comes a form of punishment.  “Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.’’ (5.1.64-65)  Lady Macbeth committed an act of murder and wished to be feelingless.  As time passed, she was overtaken by guilt and eventually killed herself.  “Yet I will try the last.  Before my body I throw my warlike shield.”  (5.7.61-62)   The punishment Lady Macbeth and Macbeth served for all their crimes were their unhappy disgruntledness.   Macbeth gained power through all his crimes, but in return lost his happiness and his wife.

     Power can cloud a person's judgement causing them to make unreasonable, hasty decisions.  The need for power and success is so strong that a person will do anything, no matter the consequences, just to gain it.  Happiness is corrupted in the pursuit of trying to gain power.  Often times, happiness is cast aside so that power can be accrued.

Macbeth Act 2 quiz

1. In your opinion, is Lady Macbeth a cold-blooded murderer? Why or why not?
Yes, Lady Macbeth is a cold-blooded murderer.  Unlike her husband, she does not feel remorse towards the murder that they committed.  Although Macbeth did the actual murder, his wife was the one who suggested and provoked him into doing it.  

-Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead

 -A dreadful sight' - that's stupid"

2. Lady Macbeth has her own antics throughout the play. Why does Lady Macbeth faint in Act II? Does it serve its purpose? Explain.
For numbers 1-4 provides textual evidence (direct quotes) to support your answers. At least two quotes per answer.

Lady Macbeth faints in Act 2 to display her shock after "finding out" about the murder of King Duncan.  Although she already knew about his murder because she committed the act, she had to pretend to be astounded so her people would not suspect her of anything.  Macbeth and the lady hadn't even been considered as suspects so yes, it serves its purpose.  

-Are stol’n away and fled, which puts upon them / Suspicion of the deed

-"No woman could survive the telling"

3. How does Macbeth's attitude toward Duncan change after the murder? 
After committing the murder, Macbeth instantly regrets what he did.  He feels grief and sorrow, wishing he never did what his wife wanted him to do.  Although he was now king, the feeling he felt would never go away. 

-I’ll go no more: / I am afraid to think what I have done; / Look on’t again I dare not.

"-Wake Duncan with your knocking! I wish you could!"

4. If so pressuring on Macbeth, why didn't Lady Macbeth kill the king instead of Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth did not kill the king, because she claimed he looked like her father when he slept.  Instead, she pushed Macbeth to do it telling him he was a coward and barely a man.  She was clearly the dominant one in the relationship. 

-"'If Duncan hadn't looked like my father in his sleep, I'd have done it myself'""'If Duncan hadn't looked like my father in his sleep, I'd have done it myself'"

-These deeds must not be thought / After these ways; so, it’ will make us mad.

5. Now that Macbeth has killed the king, do you think he must do anything else to reign as king? Explain your answer.
I think that as Macbeth reigns as king, he should keep an eye out for the sons of Duncan or anyone else that will try to kill him for his role.  He should not have to do too much because he is already highly respected and will be worshipped as king.  
Part II:​

Partner Macbeth Pre-Discussion(Christian-James, Kaylee)

Partner Macbeth Pre-Discussion (Kaylee, CJ)

Is evil ingrained in human nature? That is, are some people just “born evil,” or is evil caused by circumstance or environment? 

No, evil is not ingrained in Human Nature because it caused by the environment that surrounds a person.  People are not born evil,  if they turn out to be evil then it is caused by the events and environment they grew up in.  For example, if a person grows up in a household with alcoholics or abusive guardians, they may adapt to that environment.  There is a higher chance that they could become an alcoholic or be abusive themselves. Overall, the causes of someone being evil are the experiences that they went through and the environment they had to adapt to. 

Are our lives determined by fate, or by the acts of our free will? 

Our lives are not determined by fate, but by the acts of our free will.  Our free will is the decisions that we make that determine how our lives will turn out. There is no fate that tells us how we will live our lives. For example, Jimmy Butler who was an orphan and homeless kid, changed his lifestyle and worked hard to become and NBA superstar. His free will determined the life that he is living and it wasn't fate. If it was fate, he wouldn't have endured those hardships at a young age. 

Is redemption truly possible? That is, is it possible to commit an act of genuine evil and truly recover from it? 

Yes, it is possible for someone to fully recover from committing an act of genuine evil. No matter how evil the act was, that person could become a changed person and redeem themselves by committing acts of kindness. For example, fathers who abandon their children when they are young and return later have the chance to redeem themselves. Abandoning aa child is an act of pure evil because that leaves the mother with a harsh job of raising that child by herself. Although when that father returns, he redeems himself and helps raise the child he was meant to raise.

Is it possible to admire or respect a person whom you know has committed acts of genuine evil? 

Yes it is possible for someone to admire or respect a person that has committed acts of genuine evil. Even though that person has done something wrong in the past, they can redeem themselves and become an even better person.  For one instance, at a church I once went to, the priest happened to be an ex con.  He explained that although his past was filled with wrongdoings, he was able to respect God and turn his life around.  

Do “the ends justify the means”? That is, if one uses morally evil methods to acquire a goal, is that goal forever tainted or polluted by the actions one has taken to achieve it? 

A goal is forever tainted or polluted if wrongful actions occur in order to achieve it. Although that goal may be achieved, if that person did something wrong, it makes the goal flawed because of the negative actions. For example in Hawaii Five-O, one of the characters needed money to save someone in danger. They didn't have the money that was needed so they robbed a bank which was the act that polluted the goal.  Although they achieved that goal, the actions done to achieve it was contaminated by the unlawful acts.

Macbeth Anticipation Guide

Macbeth Anticipation Guide

Directions: This is an individual assignment. Read the following statements. Write if you agree or disagree.  Write two sentences AND a personal experience to support your thoughts about each statement. There are no right or wrong answers! Post your answers as a post on your own website/blog and title it Macbeth Anticipation Guide.

1.     Behind every great man is a great woman (every great man is supported, guided, helped and even pushed by a great woman).

I agree with this statement because every man has a woman who cares and pushes them.  Whether its a mom, sister, wife or friend a woman will push her man to the full extent.  I believe that my dad is a great man because of his mom who pushed him to fulfill all his goals and dreams as he was growing up.

2.     Witches, demons, and evil spirits actually exist.

I agree with this because although some people oppose this idea, I still believe they are real until proven to be nonexistent.  I was once home alone and heard this frightening noise, but as I checked to see what it was, nothing was there.

3.     Sometimes it is necessary to do something wrong to get what you want.

I agree because although it is wrong, people tend to prioritize themselves despite of what rules may be broken.  I once lied to my parents about doing my chores just so that I could go out.  Although I felt bad for lying and knew it was wrong, I really wanted to go out.

4.     What goes around comes around (karma).

I agree with this statement, because if you wish bad things on others, bad things will happen to you. For example, I went to the beach with my friend and she jokingly said that she hopes one of us gets stung.  Then, 5 minutes later she was stung on her leg.

5.     Human beings are easily tempted by things they want, even if it’s wrong.

I agree because truth be told, majority of the human race are selfish.  They want what they want and although sometimes what it is wrong, they still go for it.  Many incidents occur in parking lots where people will fight over a parking stall because one person was so tempted to take a good parking that they went for it.

6.     If someone feels that the ruler/s of his/her country is destroying the country, that person should try to overthrow the ruler/s.

I disagree because all actions have consequences.  Despite the feelings felt towards a person, they should never try to overthrow a ruler.  In the past, presidents have been assassinated due to a person who hated the way the president ruled.  Because of their actions they were put in jail for the rest of their life.

7.     There are circumstances or events that justify murdering someone.

I disagree with this statement because no matter how hurt or how much pain they inflicted upon you, killing someone is never the answer.  No amount of violence can make up for the suffering they caused on you.  For example,  in law and order a criminal killed this guys wife.  To get revenge, the husband thought killing the killer would satisfy but all he got was a lifetime in jail.

8.     Success is worth any price you have to pay.

I disagree because sometime success is not the key to happiness.  Sometimes happiness is more important than success itself.  Once, my friends dad was offered a job that paid way more but was located on the mainland.  The dad turned it down knowing that although it paid more, it would not make his family happy.

9.     Kings are appointed by God, and they rule as His representatives on Earth.

I disagree with this statement because God does not appoint anyone to rule. God has no say in who rules. Kings are appointed in a different matter. Those reasons being having blood relatives and them taking over the kingship, or if the King is overthrown by an opposer. For example, King Kamehameha had to fight his way to be a king and he didn't even believe in God. This proves that God does not appoint Kings. 

10.  Your astrological forecast (your horoscope) is a good indicator of how your day will go.

I disagree with this statement because although it is suppose to be an accurate representation of your day, it is not always true.  People should not base their future off of readings, but off of their actions.  Once, I read my horoscope and it claimed I was going to become very lucky that day.  It was wrong.

11.  Traitors should be executed.

I disagree with this statement, because even though they are traitors, they are still human.  Instead they should be put in jail where they can suffer for their whole life.  For example, in criminal minds there was an American citizen who wanted to bomb America.  They caught him but instead of execution, he was sentenced to life in prison.